ABSTRACT:
This study is carried out for investigation some toxic effects of saffron (Crocous sativa L) in mice. Range finding study indicated that methanolic extract of saffron is practically not acutely toxic. The effective dose 50% (ED50) is 494 mg/kg.BW. The subchronic exposure of mice to two different doses 4000, 5000 mg/Kg.BW orally for five weeks exhibited a significant increase in WBC, decrease RBC count and low hemoglobin level. Kidney function impairment was observed through a significant increase in serum level of BUN and creatinine, which was more significant after exposure to high dose (5000 mg). Histopathological changes like degeneration of epithelial cells, lining the proximal and distal convoluted tubules was also observed. Some liver injury enzyme tests ALT and AST revealed a significant increase in serum activity of AST only after exposure to both doses of extract, mild histopathological changes in liver tissue included dilation of the central vein and vacuolar degeneration were observed. There was a significant decrease in body weight of mice proportional to the dose and period of exposure during the time of study.